Model Years Covered:
1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Chassis Code Range:
K589 (K1200RS), K589/1 (K1200LT)
Market Segment:
Luxury Sport Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Riders seeking comfortable, powerful, and technologically advanced motorcycles for long-distance touring and sporty riding.
Key Competitors:
Honda Gold Wing, Yamaha FJR1300, Kawasaki Concours 14 (later models).
Distinctive Features:
Revolutionary Duolever front suspension (K1200RS), integrated ABS, powerful inline-four engine, comfortable riding position, extensive touring amenities on LT model.
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential resource for owners and independent mechanics to maintain, diagnose, and repair these complex German motorcycles, saving time and money on dealership service.
Engine Mechanics:
Complete engine overhaul, disassembly, assembly, valve adjustments, timing chain, lubrication system, cooling system.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic), fuel pump, injectors, throttle body, fuel lines, fuel tank.
Transmission And Drivetrain:
Gearbox disassembly and assembly, clutch operation and adjustment, driveshaft, final drive.
Suspension And Steering:
Front fork (Duolever system for RS, Telelever for LT), rear shock absorber, linkage, steering head bearing, wheel bearings.
Brakes:
Integral ABS II braking system, brake calipers, master cylinders, brake lines, bleeding procedures, rotor inspection.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, ignition system, lighting, instrument cluster, ECU diagnostics.
Bodywork And Chassis:
Fairing removal and installation, seat, fuel tank mounting, chassis components, subframe.
Heating And Air Conditioning:
Detailed procedures for K1200LT HVAC system.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, chain lubrication (if applicable, though shaft drive is primary).
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, common problems and their solutions, error code interpretation.
Repair And Overhaul:
Step-by-step instructions for major component repairs and full rebuilds.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagram interpretation, testing electrical components, troubleshooting sensor issues.
Component Replacement:
Detailed guidance on replacing parts like brake pads, clutch plates, bearings, etc.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to full engine and drivetrain rebuilds, including complex electrical systems and ABS diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, inline four-cylinder
Displacement:
1171 cc (for most K1200 variants of this era)
Bore X Stroke:
70.5 mm x 75 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower:
Approx. 130 hp @ 8,500 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 110 Nm (81 lb-ft) @ 6,750 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic fuel injection (Bosch Motronic)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, octane rating 91 or higher
Length K1200Rs:
Approx. 2,170 mm (85.4 in)
Width K1200Rs:
Approx. 720 mm (28.3 in) (excluding mirrors)
Height K1200Rs:
Approx. 1,250 mm (49.2 in) (adjustable windscreen)
Dry Weight K1200Rs:
Approx. 224 kg (494 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating K1200Rs:
Approx. 450 kg (992 lbs)
Wet Weight K1200Lt:
Approx. 330 kg (728 lbs)
K1200Lt Features:
Integrated audio system (often with cassette/CD), cruise control, electric windscreen, heated grips and seats (optional/standard depending on spec).
ABS:
Integral ABS II provides synchronized braking control and stability.
Cruise Control:
Standard on K1200LT, optional on some K1200RS models, offering long-distance comfort.
Diagnostic Interface:
BMW proprietary diagnostic port allowing connection to diagnostic tools for fault code reading and system analysis.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Valve Check Interval:
Around 20,000 km - 40,000 km (12,000 - 24,000 miles), depending on specific model year and usage.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 15W-50 API SG or higher (check specific manual for exact spec)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 - 4.5 liters (check manual)
Coolant Type:
BMW approved coolant (ethylene glycol based with corrosion inhibitors)
Transmission Oil Type:
SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5 (check manual)
Final Drive Oil Type:
SAE 80W-90 API GL-5 (check manual)
Common Wear Items:
Wheel bearings, steering head bearings, clutch slave cylinder, starter motor brushes.
Electrical Gremlins:
Intermittent issues related to wiring harness connections, particularly on the LT model due to complex systems.
Fuel Pump Reliability:
Early fuel pumps could be a point of failure, though often fixable with proper diagnostic procedures.
ABS System Maintenance:
Regular fluid changes and bleeding are crucial for ABS performance; sensor cleaning might be required.
Bmw Motorrad Legacy:
BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing innovative and high-quality motorcycles, known for their engineering prowess and durability, particularly in touring and sport-touring segments.
K Series Development:
The K1200 models represent a significant evolution of BMW's K-series, featuring the innovative transverse inline-four engine and advanced suspension systems, moving towards more sporty and technologically advanced platforms compared to earlier K-series bikes.
Manufacturing Origin:
Germany
